The Roca Team delivered a statement performance in their opening EuroLeague quarter-final clash against FC Barcelona, dismantling the Spanish giants 97–80 at a fired-up Salle Gaston-Médecin on the night of Wednesday, April 23.
The Roca Team, in their fourth consecutive quarter-final appearance, overcame an early Barça lead with defensive intensity and offensive flair, forcing 18 turnovers while racking up 21 assists. It was a display that blended raw aggression with calm execution — and it left the Catalans rattled.
Mike James and Daniel Theis led the charge with 22 points apiece, the latter adding three blocks in a muscular showing. But the night also belonged to Monaco’s homegrown talent: Elie Okobo (19 points, 7 assists), Matthew Strazel (13 points), and an inspired Terry Tarpey, whose energy, hustle, and clutch plays signalled his steady ascent in the team’s hierarchy.
Barcelona’s bright spot came in the form of Youssoupha Fall, who posted 13 points and 14 rebounds, but even his efforts weren’t enough to stop the red and white tide.
The visitors started strong, pulling ahead 14–8 in the first quarter behind sharp perimeter shooting. But Monaco’s timeout reset the tempo. A flurry of long-range efforts and confident rotations brought them within touching distance, closing Q1 at 21–25.
In the second, the Roca Team exploded. With four Frenchmen on court and Okobo catching fire, Monaco strung together a blistering 18–2 run. Barça looked dazed — their offence stalled, their defence shredded. Though Fall broke the drought and Barcelona rallied to within two by halftime (44–42), it was Monaco who’d set the tone.
The second half saw the Principality’s club shift into yet another gear. A barrage of points — including a sensational three from James over Fall’s outstretched arm — widened the gap. By the time Tarpey roared after a steal-and-dunk combo, it was clear who the alpha team was. Monaco surged to 76–59, and Barcelona’s frustration boiled over: Tomas Satoransky was ejected for a reckless foul on Strazel, symbolising a night gone completely off script for the Catalans.
Monaco never looked back. The game slowed, the lead held, and the home crowd relished every second.
Match 2 of the series takes place this Friday, April 25 again on Monaco soil — and if this opener was anything to go by, Barcelona will need more than a tactical rethink to stop the Roca machine.
